My Take | Cancelled HKU event offers a chance to address fate of Gazans
Antisemitism is a heinous form of racism, but the most pressing moral question of our time is whether Palestinians still have the right to exist
The University of Hong Kong abruptly cancelled a scheduled talk by the head of the Anti-Defamation League from the United States. Jonathan Greenblatt, its chief executive, was to speak on antisemitism and online hate speech.
Perhaps those at HKU still read the news from their ivory tower: “Israel warns more to come as airstrikes kill over 400 in Gaza after two months of truce”; “Displacement under fire: Fleeing Palestinians targeted by Israeli drones”; “West Bank terror crackdown sees largest displacement of Palestinians since 1967”.
The last headline was from the Times of Israel. I am sure Greenblatt is a worthy speaker, but the moral question of today, for the world, has a more urgent focus – the existential survivability of the Palestinian people.
In a warning to Gazans, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said: “Return the hostages and eliminate Hamas, and other options will open up for you – including going to other places in the world for those who wish. The alternative is complete destruction and devastation.”
In short, either permanent displacement from your homeland or physical annihilation! Katz’s predecessor, Yoav Gallant, faces a global arrest warrant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, as does Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Still, the International Criminal Court’s warrants have no deterrent effect on Israeli security officials such as Katz.
According to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency early this month, “These are the 24 living and 35 dead Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza.” Despite the ceasefire, Israeli military operations have killed more than 500 Palestinians since last week. Imagine the West’s response if China killed 500 Uygurs in Xinjiang in a week.